Residents’ fears over late night noise have led a supermarket chain to reduce the proposed delivery hours to its planned store in Rothwell.

Retailer Aldi initially submitted plans for a new single-storey supermarket and car park at the Ashleigh Signs site, in Marsh Street, in late July last year but the application has been beset with delays.

“It would bring in the region of 50 jobs to the area and it gives people a choice and alternative to Morrisons.”

Early plans suggested the store’s delivery hours would be 7am to 11pm but following consultation with residents and an open letter against the plans from Coun Karen Bruce (Lab, Rothwell), the firm has agreed to limit deliveries to 8pm.

Aldi’s plans, which would offer welcome competition to the town’s Morrisons store, were welcomed by the community despite fears over congestion and the safety of pedestrians during deliveries.

Coun Bruce explained that the proximity of nearby sheltered housing sites combined with late delivery times had caused concerns, and hinted she still feels the firm’s planned 8am to 10pm opening times need amending.

She said: “It’s a move in the right direction but I think residents who live around there, who have contacted me, still find it unacceptable that they are wanting to open so late.

“It would bring in the region of 50 jobs to the area and it gives people a choice and alternative to Morrisons, as they obviously own most of the town centre.”

It is hoped that a final decision on Aldi’s plans will be made in the next few months.

An Aldi spokeswoman said its plans have been “well received” as nearly 300 people have commented and 86 per cent of those supported them.

She said: “As a result of discussions on the application, Aldi have agreed to reduce the delivery hours to the store to 8pm Monday to Saturday.

“As part of the application discussions, Aldi have also agreed to amend the design of the store by moving the building away from the properties at the rear of the site.”